Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Out four weeks with fractured thumb
Rotowire
Head coach Ime Udoka told reporters Saturday that Sheppard fractured his right thumb and will be out for at least four weeks, Ben DuBose of USA Today reports.
The rookie first-round pick was already ruled out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans. However, further tests have revealed that Sheppard is dealing with a much more serious injury that will keep him out of action until at least early April. Sheppard's absence gives Cam Whitmore, Jae'Sean Tate and Aaron Holiday the opportunity to earn more minutes and a bigger role off the Rockets' bench over the next month.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Ruled out for Saturday
Rotowire
Sheppard is out for Saturday's game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb injury.
Sheppard has been diagnosed with an avulsion on his right thumb, and while it should be a long-term issue, it's severe enough to sideline the rookie for at least one game. Sheppard's next chance to play will come against the Magic on Monday, although it's worth noting that his absence won't affect many fantasy decisions.
Sheppard accumulated 25 points (10-17 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block in 31 minutes during Monday's 137-128 loss to the Thunder.
Sheppard recorded a career-high 25 points in just his third time playing 20-plus minutes this season. The No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 Draft received his first career start Monday, as Fred VanVleet (ankle) and three more of the club's usual starters were sidelined. Sheppard's level of play Monday bodes well for his chances of cracking the rotation when the club is fully healthy, though he'll still have to compete for playing time on a stacked roster.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Muted impact in loss
Rotowire
Sheppard chipped in no counting stats over five minutes during Thursday's 105-98 loss to the Warriors.
Sheppard has played in Houston's last eight contests but has scored double-digit points just once over that span. Across those eight appearances, Sheppard averaged 4.4 points and 2.0 rebounds in 13.0 minutes.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Standout performance in loss
Rotowire
Sheppard supplied 16 points (5-14 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals over 28 minutes during Tuesday's 99-97 loss to the Nets.
With Fred VanVleet (ankle) out again, Sheppard produced easily the best performance of his young career, putting up career-high numbers across the board. With the Rockets down on troops, Sheppard outplayed Aaron Holiday, flashing the upside many thought he had coming into the season. While this was an encouraging performance, Tari Eason could return for the next game after sitting out Tuesday on the second night of a back-to-back. When the Rockets are healthy, Sheppard is unlikely to be anything more than a depth piece.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Quiet in debut Wednesday
Rotowire
Sheppard totaled four points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and one block over 16 minutes during Wednesday's 110-105 loss to the Hornets.
Sheppard played just 16 minutes in his debut, ending with a modest line. Despite being arguably the most talented player in the 2024 draft class, Sheppard finds himself battling a number of other up-and-coming players for playing time. At best, he should be viewed as a backend fantasy asset. Should the Rockets encounter injuries at any point, his value could increase, as could be the case later in the season if they fall out of playoff contention.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Makes impact off bench
Rotowire
Sheppard delivered 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 0-1 FT), four rebounds, two assists and a steal across 23 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 122-113 preseason win over the Thunder.
Sheppard was one of four Houston players who scored in double digits in this game, and he continues to prove he's ready to make his mark in the NBA as a rookie, particularly from a scoring perspective. Sheppard was the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and while he figures to play a huge role in the organization's long-term picture, he's expected to open the 2024-25 campaign as a bench option since Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green will operate as the starting backcourt.
Sheppard finished with 15 points (6-17 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, two assists and three steals in 36 minutes during Monday's 87-73 Summer League loss to the Pistons.
Sheppard took a step back Monday after posting a strong final line Sunday, as he converted on 35.3 percent of his tries from the field and committed four turnovers in an ugly loss. This is part of the learning process for the young guard, who will almost certainly have plenty of ups and downs once the regular season begins.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Impresses in SL Sunday
Rotowire
Sheppard went for 22 points (9-15 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, five steals and a block across 32 minutes during Sunday's 109-91 victory over the Wizards at Summer League.
Sheppard stuffed the stat sheet Sunday, recording a game-high seven assists and tying a game-high five steals. The third overall pick was also effective creating in the midrange, finding shots for himself and teammates. Sheppard has been impressive to kick off Summer League, averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks in 31.0 minutes per game across two appearances.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Team-high 23 points in win Friday
Rotowire
Sheppard produced 23 points (9-17 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal across 30 minutes in Friday's 99-80 win over the Lakers in the NBA 2K25 Summer League.
Sheppard opened his Summer League play with an extremely productive outing, stuffing the stat sheet and hitting a team-high four three-pointers. The No. 3 overall pick was a lights-out shooter in one season with Kentucky, during which he averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals while shooting 52.1 percent from deep. The 20-year-old also impressed on defense Friday, but his 6-foot-2 frame could limit what he can do on that side of the ball against NBA competition.
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Rockets' Reed Sheppard: Goes No. 3 to Houston
Rotowire
Sheppard was selected with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Rockets.
Sheppard should add a jolt of elite perimeter shooting to the Rockets while sharing reserve playmaking responsibilities with Amen Thompson. It's easy to envision Sheppard running two-man action with Alperen Sengun, or Sengun finding Sheppard for open looks coming off a variety of off-ball screens. The guard out of Kentucky is also a smart and active defender, though his 6-foot-2 frame will limit his upside on that side of the ball.
